The Federal Government has suspended several senior officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) following bribery allegations linked to controversial crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky.
A blogger, Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, accused officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of accepting a ₦15 million bribe from Bobrisky to drop money laundering charges during his naira-spraying incident in April. After the incident, Bobrisky was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment. The blogger further alleged that Bobrisky paid additional sums to secure preferential treatment during his prison stay.
Bobrisky has denied all accusations, and both the EFCC and the Nigerian Correctional Service have initiated investigations in response to the viral claims made by Otse.
On Thursday, the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board released a statement addressing the issue. Signed by Ja’afaru Ahmed, the statement confirmed the suspension of the officers involved to allow for a thorough investigation into the allegations. The Board reassured the public that the investigation’s findings would be made public upon completion.
The officers suspended include Michael Anugwa, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) in charge of Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kirikiri, Lagos; and Sikiru Adekunle, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) of Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri.
Additionally, ASC II Ogbule Samuel Obinna, stationed at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Afikpo, Ebonyi State, was suspended for allegedly escorting a convicted inmate to a location outside the facility without authorization. In a separate case, another senior officer, Iloafonsi Kevin Ikechukwu, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, Abuja, was suspended for allegedly accepting money on behalf of an inmate.
The Federal Government has emphasized its commitment to conducting a thorough investigation into these allegations and holding all responsible parties accountable.
